Fingertip Pulse Oximeter, Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor (SpO2) with Pulse Rate Measurements and Pulse Bar Graph, Portable Digital Reading LED Display, Batteries and Carry Case Included 1 Count (Pack of 1) 30,120 $17.
Wearables have come a long way in the past decade. The days of simple step tracking are gone, replaced by a slew of new and sophisticated health sensors. One of the latest sensors that is growing in popularity is the pulse oximeter. It’s making its way onto more and more fitness trackers and smartwatches by Garmin, Fitbit, and others. But what is the pulse oximeter and why is it important? Allow us to explain.
What is a pulse oximeter?
Pulse oximeters, often called SpO2 sensors on wearables, are used to measure blood oxygen levels or the saturation of oxygen in your blood. In the medical field, pulse oximeters are usually small devices that resemble a clip. Finger pulse oximeters have grown in popularity recently, but they can also be attached to a toe, and sometimes an earlobe to painlessly measure blood oxygen levels. Both medical and wearable oximeters use light to do so.
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Typically, a pulse oximeter features two LEDs with different light wavelengths — one red and one infrared. This is because the absorption of light differs between blood that has normal levels of oxygen and blood that is lacking oxygen. Oxygenated blood absorbs more infrared light, while deoxygenated blood allows more of it to pass through. This allows pulse oximeters to quickly and non-invasively detect oxygen levels and measure how well oxygen is carried to the extremities.
However, not all wearable pulse oximeters are made equal. Pioneering devices equipped with the sensor like the Withings Pulse Ox required you to place your finger on the back of the device for measurement. More modern devices can be used while the device is still on your wrist, but they require you to hold still for a number of seconds for a single on-the-spot check. Most recent watches and fitness trackers usually have sensors that provide pulse ox sleep tracking too.
Nevertheless, wearable sensor data shouldn’t be used for self-diagnosis, especially if the sensor on the tracker or smartwatch has not been cleared by a regulatory body. It can still be a great tool for potential detection of health issues, but it needs to be followed up by an examination and diagnosis from a medical professional.
- Here is a list of Samsung phones which come with a built-in Pulse Oximeter. Flagships phones released after the S10 series do not have a built-in sensor.Gala.
- @WarpedTrekker Since the new update, Oxygen Saturation has been moved and included with 'stress measure' option.I know, how did stress relates to oxygen saturation, but I also use O2 Sat when i feel sick or hike on high altitude so I guess samsung thinks when you are stress your oxygen will go down =).
- Samsung reserves the right to make changes to this document and the product described herein, at anytime, without obligation on Samsung to provide notification of such change. All functionality, features, specifications, GUI and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing.
- Pulse Oximeter Fingertip, Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor for Pulse Rate, Heart Rate Monitor and SpO2 Levels with OLED Screen Display Batteries and Lanyard Included 1 Count (Pack of 1) 4.7 out of 5.
What are pulse oximeters used for?
Like any other wearable health sensor, the primary function of a pulse oximeter is to gather health data and notify you if you something is out of the ordinary. The first thing to know is the normal blood oxygen saturation rate. It sits at around 95% for healthy individuals, although lower rates are both possible and normal. However, if you consistently get readings below 90%, it might be time for a visit to the doctor. They can double-check the accuracy of the readings and recommend the next steps.
A pulse oximeter is an essential sensor for alpine enthusiasts.
A fitness tracker equipped with a pulse oximeter can also come in handy if you are upping your exercise game. This is because blood oxygen saturation readings can be used to interpret how well you handle increased activity. If you are overdoing it your levels might drop low, signaling you to take things a bit easier. It is also an essential sensor for alpine enthusiasts who climb to high elevations where the air is thinner.
Finally, since many new trackers now feature pulse oximeters that provide tracking throughout the night, the sensor can be used to detect early signs of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes those affected to stop breathing for short intervals during the night. Sufferers often snore and don’t feel rested even after a full night’s sleep. More importantly, leaving the disorder untreated can result in other more serious health issues. This is why a smartwatch with a pulse oximeter can be beneficial for early detection.
Trackers with pulse oximeters
Samsung Oximeter Accuracy
If you are convinced that you need a wearable with a pulse oximeter, we have good news: there are a number of fitness trackers and smartwatches that already sport the SpO2 sensor. Below are some (not all) of the best pulse oximeter trackers and smartwatches available.
- Apple Watch Series 6: Review | Check pricing
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 3: Review | Check pricing
- Withings ScanWatch: Review | Check pricing
- Garmin Venu: Review | Check pricing
- Garmin Vivosmart 4: Review | Check pricing
- Fitbit Sense: Review | Check pricing
- Fitbit Versa 3: Review | Check pricing
- Fitbit Charge 4: Review | Check pricing
Devices from a number of other established brands, including Xiaomi, Realme, and Huami are also loading their wearables with pulse oximeters.
If you’re looking for a device with a reliable pulse oximeter, consider buying from a company that went through the trouble to get its sensors FDA- or CE-approved. The Withings ScanWatch, for instance, has received CE clearance for its pulse oximeter for SpO2 measurements, while cheaper devices like the Amazfit Bip U aren’t certified.
Samsung Oximeter
As ubiquitous as the heart rate sensor is now, we expect the pulse oximeter to feature more often than not on wearables in the future. Do you own a wearable with a pulse oximeter? How often do you use it? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.